RAFA BENITEZ today rubbished suggestions he has received an offer to manage the United Arab Emirates – as he again stated his intentions to stay at Anfield.
The Liverpool manager’s future has been a topic of much debate this year and he has been linked with both Juventus and Inter Milan.
It was reported that the UAE want to offer him a £5m ‘golden hello’, a house on Dubai’s exclusive Palm Island plus a £4m annual salary to quit the Reds.
But Benitez has met chairman Martin Broughton and managing director Christian Purslow twice since the end of the campaign to discuss how to move the Reds forward.
More talks are planned in the future and Benitez has made it clear he wants to continue in the role he has filled since 2004 – so long as everyone at the club feels the same way.
“I was very surprised to read about this story but it seems more and more as if they keep happening from somewhere,” said Benitez. “I am very happy here in Liverpool.
“I have always been happy and I want to stay here for a long time – if it is possible.”
While some supporters will still be wondering what the future holds for Benitez, one man who remains adamant he will stay on Merseyside is Pepe Reina.
The Reds’ player of the season is currently preparing for the World Cup finals with Spain’s squad but is still keeping abreast of affairs at Anfield.
“I am convinced that Rafa will still be with us and that is good for us because he wants revenge in the next campaign,” said Reina.
Reina has also spoken with his club mate Fernando Torres about what his plans are for the forthcoming season and, again, the message is positive.
Though Manchester City and Chelsea covet Liverpool’s number nine, Reina says their pursuit will be a fruitless one.
“I am calm about Fernando,” Reina, said. “I spoke to him about his future and he has told me that he intends to continue with us. Fernando suffered so many blows last season. But he is a professional and has always wanted to do well for us. That is what he remains – committed to this club."
Meanwhile, sources in Holland described Ryan Babel as being “touch and go” for the World Cup, Liverpool’s forward damaged his hamstring in training on Friday and went to hospital for a scan.
Although the injury is not as serious as first fared, he still “must improve quickly” to name Holland’s” final 23-man squad.
No comments:
Post a Comment